Another interesting old Black Forest trinket, a wonderfully carved figure with wheat-sheaves basket on his back and another basket in hand - I think he's meant for the fireplace and was a spill holder or perhaps a cigar or match holder that might also have had a hook for a watch (you see the hook up top). It's interesting in that the old monk is so beautifully carved (he's robed like a forest monastery figure, don't you agree, and they did carve monks). These carved trinkets were very popular with Grand Tour travelers who visited the Alpine villages of Switzerland, Germany, even parts of France, where remarkably talented carvers supplied them with a wide variety of choices in carved forest mementos, from little bears and animals like this one to huge carved china cabinets, hunt themed wall plaques, incredibly fine clocks housed in forest themed carvings and jewelry boxes galore. Each tourist's memento that survives today is a testament to the Old World carvers' amazing skill, patience, and industry. They are fabulous accents for Country French or English Manor decor, or cabin & ski lodge, alike. Fabulous for all types of settings, the whimsical to the magnificent still fascinate us today as they did in 19th century and very early 20th century. One of my favorite Christmas decor themes was found in Dallas when we still had a shop in the design district there, and it was a huge centerpiece adorned with many of the most wonderful BF bears, amid pine boughs and other ornaments, it was magical - stunningly beautiful. Get creative with your own collection. And Aspen dealers stock their stores from our goods, too, I might add, but mark them double our very fair prices. We appreciate their business, but hope that you'll enjoy the savings of finding them directly through us. Over 200 of the finest pieces among our inventory right now - if you don't see what you want, ask. I may have it but just not yet listed. I love the old carvings!

Very good to excellent condition on this interesting carved spill or cigar holder - plus evidence of an old hook for a watch holder. There is a paper label on bottom that says "carved by . . . (hard to read so I scanned it for you)". No chips or cracks, no flaws to note. The item is typical of the mid-late 19th century carvings. We think it is no later than 1860 for this one.

Item ID: 113bfbskman

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